Dentists | Pay in Northern Ireland

LAST UPDATED: April 2026

How does the DDRBs recent recommendation on pay affect me?

On 22 May 2025, the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) published its 53rd report recommending an uplift of 4% to the pay element of NHS contracts and to employed dentists’ salaries, and an additional consolidated uplift of £750 to pay points for resident dentists.

The Government has now accepted the DDRB recommendation. Wishing to avoid a repeat of last year’s delay, the Minister has taken the unprecedented step of issuing a Ministerial direction despite the £600m deficit in the health budget.

The Health Minister has signed off on DDRB recommendations by issuing a Ministerial Direction while the funding is still to be found to make payment.

Northern Ireland Fees Guide

Members can download the SDR Fees Guide 2026.

Northern Ireland: Campaign for fair pay for hospital dentists

We are seeking the views of our HDS NI members - Residents, Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist (SAS) and Consultants - on the latest pay position.

Northern Ireland: NI Executive urged to act decisively to support dentistry

Our work pressing for timely payments, and a reminder of key payment dates.

Northern Ireland: Earlier payment date confirmed for 2025-26 General Dental Services arrears

Our intervention on the unacceptable delay has resulted in accelerated payments.

Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB pay uplift payment dates

The latest on DDRB fee uplifts and other payments.

Northern Ireland: Pay uplift approved

Dentists to receive backdated uplift, with commitments to prioritising future pay awards.

Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB, Expenses and Cost-of-Service Review

Minister responds as clarity sought on a range of GDS issues.

Northern Ireland: Minister responds on GDS concerns

Further information relating to ‘General Dental Services investment 2025-26’ have been outlined by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.

Northern Ireland: Minister outlines his approach to GDS ‘Investment Proposals’ for 2025-26, National Insurance and DDRB

The Minister has shared with us an outline of the approach he has decided to take in relation to the long-awaited ‘Investment Proposals’ for 2025-26.

Northern Ireland: Demanding clarity on backpay

We are insisting on urgent clarity on pay for GDPs in Northern Ireland, following a Department of Health announcement that backdated pay will not be implemented until at least May 2025.

Pensions for Armed Forces Reservists

Reservists in the Forces between 2000-2015 may be entitled to backdated membership to the non-contributory Armed Forces pension schemes.

Still awaiting uplift confirmation on NHS GDP uplifts

Governments across the UK are yet to confirm the figure for the uplift to apply to NHS general dental practice fees and contracts.

Northern Ireland consultants vote to accept pay offer

The BMA Northern Ireland Consultants Committee has formally accepted the Department of Health’s pay offer for consultant doctors and dentists.